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Rook’s party is filled with fascinating characters who have varying shades of grey to define their personality. The varl half of the story is plenty interesting and produces most of the valuable exposition about the politics and history of the world, but it is Rook’s story that truly steals the spotlight. After the death of his chieftain, Rook finds himself leading a caravan of refugees through a long and perilous journey to try and find safety for his people. The second half of the story is told from the perspective of a human named Rook whose village is one of the first to fall to the dredge. During this journey the varl are attacked by the dredge who were thought to be vanquished. Players will spend a good chunk of the game as a varl war party transporting a human prince to their capital as part of a tradition which signifies the alliance between the two races. The story of The Banner Saga is surprisingly deep, lasting a solid 10-12 hours and telling a well-crafted tale of the invading dredge who must be stopped by an alliance of man and varl. Soulless soldiers of steel and giants are far from the most creative things dreamt up for a fantasy world, but they fit the tone of The Banner Saga nicely, again adding a small variation on what is already familiar. The most notable addition to the library of fantasy creatures is the giant, antler-bearing varl and the fearsome fleshless dredge. From snow capped mountains, to mead halls, to dark forests, the world of The Banner Saga feels as familiar as it does distinct. The result is a brutal realm where you spend less time feeling empowered by mystical magics and more time cowering in fear of them. The games passes on the traditional elves and dwarves, trying to build a setting that is feels different from other sword and sorcery universes. The greatest praise for The Banner Saga is the way it can immerse you in its fantasy world. Despite its pesky flaws, The Banner Saga is a game that will make you thankful for Kickstarter. Now the wait is finally over and The Banner Saga is a shimmering example of how three people at Stoic with a “can-do” attitude can create a product that steals your imagination, toys with your soul, and gives you an unforgettable experience. Running a campaign nearly a month after Double Fine Adventure blew away its funding goal, the dream project of three industry veterans exceeded its own goal by 700% with over 20,000 contributors. The Banner Saga is a game that got its funding back when Kickstarter was still new and invigorating.